Counsel - Commercial Transactions

Cigna Group • Saint Louis, MO

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Counsel, Commercial Transactions position provides enterprise-wide legal support and guidance for U.S. and global contracting activities, with an emphasis on buy-side procurement contracts, technology transactions, and vendor management matters. This role partners closely with Procurement, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, Information Protection, and business stakeholders across the enterprise and reports to the Associate Chief Counsel, Enterprise Corporate Law. The successful candidate will have experience negotiating and drafting a broad range of commercial agreements, assessing legal and business risk, and providing practical, business-focused legal advice in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) required.
• Active license and good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5+ years of experience negotiating and drafting commercial contracts, with significant experience supporting vendor, procurement, technology, consulting, and services transactions.
• Strong contract drafting, negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to identify legal issues, evaluate risk, and provide practical, business-focused legal advice.
• Experience supporting technology transactions, intellectual property matters, privacy considerations, and complex commercial arrangements.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate across a matrixed organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven ability to build strong professional relationships and effectively partner with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to operate independently while exercising sound judgment in complex situations.
• Strong presentation skills and experience communicating with senior leaders and business stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting procurement, sourcing, vendor management, or commercial operations is preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, pharmacy, or another highly regulated industry is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a broad range of commercial agreements, including consulting, services, technology, software, SaaS, licensing, data, and vendor agreements with domestic and international suppliers.
• Partner with Procurement and business stakeholders to structure transactions while balancing legal, regulatory, operational, and business objectives.
• Advise clients on commercial contracting matters, risk allocation, compliance requirements, and contract governance processes.
• Identify, assess, and provide recommendations regarding legal and contractual risks associated with third-party engagements.
• Support vendor dispute resolution efforts and negotiate resolutions that align with business objectives and risk tolerance.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance contract templates, playbooks, negotiation guidance, and standard contract provisions.
• Collaborate with global legal colleagues and business partners on international contracting matters.
• Create and deliver training on contracting, vendor management, and related legal topics to procurement and business teams.
• Support strategic corporate initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, financing transactions, and other enterprise projects as needed.
• Partner effectively with Compliance, Privacy, Information Protection, Information Technology, Procurement, and operational teams on complex commercial matters.
• Manage outside counsel on specialized matters, as appropriate.
• Lead discussions with stakeholders to gather information, align priorities, and achieve business objectives.
• Support process improvement initiatives and contribute to the continued evolution of contracting and governance practices.
• Share legal knowledge and subject matter expertise across the Legal organization in a collaborative manner.
• Work with Legal, Compliance, and business clients to develop, implement, and coordinate contracting and governance strategies.
• Proactively identify risks of non-compliance related to third-party contracts.

Benefits

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Well-being and behavioral health programs
• 401(k)
• Company paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• A minimum of 18 days of paid time off per year
• Paid holidays
• Leaves of absence

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree